civil defense

noun

1. plans or activities organized by civilians and civilian authorities for the protection of civilian population and property in times of such disasters or emergencies as war or floods.

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil defense¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Overnight, an Israeli missile slammed into an apartment building and the offices of the Islamic Health Committee, a Hezbollah-affiliated civil defense organization, Lebanese health authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

By then Shebaa was almost completely deserted, save for Saadi, a few of the other civil defense personnel and people too old or too poor to move.

From Los Angeles Times

Nine people remain missing, according to Lebanon’s civil defense.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you saw the building, you’d see why we’re all here,” said one civil defense worker who did not give his name so as to speak freely.

From Los Angeles Times

His first demonstration of the fledgling SigAlert system, in November 1954, was for an audience of military and civil defense officials.

From Los Angeles Times